Area Breakdown: Northern Top Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 'Area Breakdown' series is a subseries associated with the latest rankings update. Acknowledging prospects and their prowess as basketball players according to region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For area purposes and article formatting, the north will consist of counties ranging from McKinley and San Juan, to Union, San Miguel, and Quay. Notable schools included are: Gallup, Farmington, Santa Fe Indian, Las Vegas and Los Alamos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the top players from northern New Mexico:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Player</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">School</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='467051' first='Rylie' last='Whitehair']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Gallup</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648195' first='Kjani' last='Anitielu']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Farmington</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='467049' first='Alexis' last='Pacheco']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">West Las Vegas</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='814472' first='GG' last='Romero']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Los Alamos</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='391321' first='Emma' last='Lewis']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Santa Fe Indian</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='565810' first='WynterRose' last='Sheka']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tohatchi</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648193' first='Rochelle' last='Lopez']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Penasco</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648215' first='Mariella' last='Ruiz']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">St. Michael's</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='828810' first='Caris' last='Dale']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Farmington</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='901165' first='Kayden' last='Tsosie']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Gallup</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["467051"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a303130b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arguably the most skilled frontcourt player in New Mexico, Rylie is an interior force that can dominate opposing teams in the half-court with her post-control. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitehair is a Two-Time All-State Selection (First Team: 2023 &amp; 2024) and member of the 1,000 Point-Club. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'2" Center has elite footwork and a knack for punishing defenders when able to isolate down on the block. She also has no problem working out of the weak-side and or strong-side trap, making quick decisions in terms of when to pass or make a move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648195"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a303137a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kjani is a two-way playmaker that can take over for stretches in a game thanks to her ability to both score and defend at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 59 games played, Kjani has posted a smooth 10.2 points per game with 65 total 3PM on 42/33 splits. 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season, Anitielu earned an All-State Honorable Mention after putting up 10.5 points per game, 2.9 assists, while connecting on 37 3PM.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["467049"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a30313c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexis is an offensive threat that possesses a diverse skillset, in terms of being able to score off the bounce. The soon-to-be senior is comfortable operating the pick'n'roll and is also tough to contain when in isolation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the 2023-24 season, Pacheco averaged a commanding 18.3 points per game with 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.9 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'4" PG is a Three-Time All-State Selection (First Team: 2021, 2024 &amp; Second Team: 2022) and is one of the most accomplished players in the State from an individual standpoint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814472"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a3031403"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Romero is a Two-Time All-State Selection (First Team: 2023 &amp; 2024) thanks to her ability to be an inside-out playmaker who can score at multiple levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a junior (2023-24) GG averaged an impressive 18.3 points per game, shooting 42 percent from the floor. The 2025 CG also finished with 39 3PM, connecting at a 44 percent clip! More than just a sniper from beyond the arc, GG is a capable rebounder and defender who tallied 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game for the Hilltoppers this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391321"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a3031444"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis is a two-way slashing playmaker and Two-Time All-State Selection (First Team: 2023 &amp; 2024) who, for her career, has averaged a reliable 8.5 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 steals with 20 Double-Doubles in 71 games played at SFIS. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma does a great job of positioning herself, resulting in plays being made on both ends of the floor. Lewis is a fierce competitor who rarely gets out-worked in terms of surrendering post-control and the opportunity to collect a loose-ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the 2023-24 season, Emma posted 12.8 points per game in addition to 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in just 20 games played. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["565810"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a3031485"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sheka is a lanky forward that can defend/play multiple positions due to her combination of athleticism and height. Having said that, Sheka is a skilled player overall that can score inside-out but thrives as a baseline runner that can step out and hit the 3ball. An underrated aspect of WynterRose's game, is her playmaking ability; She is a willing passer who can drop some dimes, particularly in DHO actions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WynterRose, who is a Two-Time All-State Selection (Second Team: 2023 &amp; 2024), has peeked the interest of New Mexico Highlands University, located in Las Vegas, N.M. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NMHU is a NCAA Division II program and member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648193"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a30314c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez is an inside-out playmaker with a lightning quick first step. For the 2023-24 season, the speedy Lopez put up a cool 12.5 points per game, 2.7 assists and 2.9 steals helping lead Penasco to the 2A State Title! In the Championship game, Rochelle logged a game-high 18 points (FG: 5/15) and 3 assists versus No. 6 Tularosa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez, a Two-Time All-State Selection (First Team: 2024 &amp; Second Team: 2023) has averaged a steady 11.3 points per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.9 steals, while totaling 108 3PM in 87 games played thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a3031506"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruiz is a terrific floor-general and nimble perimeter defender who emerged as a reliable two-way option for the Horsemen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mariella was an All-State Selection (Second Team) this past season after averaging 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.4 steals per game for St. Michael's. The 5'3 CG registered an impressive 108 assists -- the only player from the class of 2026 to hit triple digit assists -- and 91 steals in 27 games played as a Sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 53 games played, Ruiz has career averages of 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.9 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828810"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a303154c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 37 games played, Dale has averaged 6.9 points per game with 23 3PM on 44/27 splits. The 5'7" SF/SG has also put up 2.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals for the Lady Scorpions thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a Sophomore, Caris averaged 8.4 points per game, shooting 42 percent from the floor overall. Dale also chipped in with 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 steals per game, giving Farmington steady play all-around. Dale has textbook fundamentals and could develop into an 'All-State' caliber player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901165"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0a303158c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tsosie is a slashing four that had a tremendous freshman year, which culminated in an All-State Selection (Second Team) and a trip to the 4A Final Four during the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union Girls Basketball State Championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kayden is a physical frontcourt player who happens to also have solid footwork and a soft touch, which extends out to 15 feet. Moving forward, Kayden is a player that needs to be, and will be, on everyone's radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->